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Newsletter » November Newsletter

November Newsletter

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Families,

As we roll into November, and things become a little more uncertain weatherwise, we remind all families that wherever possible, we’ll endeavour to keep the school open to students and staff. If there is a delay or closure, we will try to communicate that as early as possible to our families through School Messenger, and our social media channels.  We remind families to consider downloading the Bus Planner Web cancellations app for smartphones to ensure you get the most up-to-date information, as soon as possible.  One thing to keep in mind, when buses are canceled, the school will most often still be open for staff or students who can arrive at the school safely, so please be sure to check.


Progress reports for students will be heading home on Monday, November 17th.  We will also be connecting with families for conversations regarding student progress to this point in the school year. The expectation from AMDSB is that staff connect with all families at this time, regardless of how things are going, so we ask that you please respond to the sign-up link for interview times that will be shared in the coming days via School Messenger. If families aren’t signed up, we may assign a time and communicate that home, or try to establish a mutually convenient time for families and school staff in the times around the interview days.  The progress conversations will be taking place after school hours on November 20th, and the morning of November 21st.


As always, if you have any questions or concerns, especially ahead of the opportunity to meet later in the month, please connect with classroom teachers first, and otherwise, reach out to us in the office.


Wishing everyone a safe and happy November!


Sincerely, 

Mr. J. Brock, and Mrs. H. Decker - Huron Centennial Admin team


NOVEMBER’S CHARACTER ATTRIBUTE - COURAGE  - A Kid’s Definition of Courage:

Standing up for what you know is right – even when you are afraid and others do not stand with you. 

Children who have Courage: ∙ Admit when they are wrong. ∙ Make good choices when others do not ∙ Are kind to those who are unkind. ∙ Ask for help when they need it.

PRESENTATION FOR FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS: This free virtual panel discussion, "Planning for a Good Life Beyond High School," is essential for parents and caregivers as it directly addresses the complex steps involved in the transition to adult life.  The session is designed to provide families with actionable, proactive steps, including:

  • Important Actions families can take right now to prepare for the future.
  • Understanding the What Changes Happen at Age 18 (specifically regarding legal and service shifts).
  • Connecting with Available Supports and Resources in the community.

Event Details (Registration is Required):

  • When: Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (Online via Zoom)
  • Registration Link: Registration Link

 

HPPH RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SEASON: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW:    Respiratory illness season is here, with COVID, influenza (“the flu”), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory illnesses circulating. Viruses easily spread in schools, childcare facilities, and playgroups.


Huron Perth Public Health recommends some key actions that families can do to avoid illness.

The Layers of Protection: A Parent’s Toolkit

Think of protection like dressing for the cold: one layer isn’t enough. Here’s how to build a multi-layered defense against respiratory illnesses!

  1. Get immunized

There are safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu. Immunization is the best way to protect against severe illness from these viruses. Everyone aged six months and older can get the COVID vaccine and the influenza vaccine at no cost in Ontario. Contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider to receive these vaccines.

  1. Stay home when sick

It is important to stay at home when sick to avoid spreading illness to classmates and school staff. Students should be fever-free and showing signs of improvement for at least 24 hours before returning to school. If symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, they should wait at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved before returning.

  1. Cover coughs and sneezes; mask when needed

Teach kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue if available, or if not, their elbow. For those who are at high risk of infection, consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings.

  1. Wash hands

Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them completely. Consider packing alcohol-based, unscented hand sanitizer in your child’s lunch bag or backpack. Look for at least 70% alcohol content.

  1. Keep shared surfaces clean

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, toys, and countertops.

  1. Improve ventilation and air quality

Open windows, when possible, to improve airflow and to help reduce the buildup of potentially infectious respiratory particles in the air indoors. Change air filters in your home when recommended.

For more information, visit www.hpph.ca


PROGRESS REPORTS AND PD DAY:    Progress reports will come home on Nov 17, 2025.  We will be hosting in-person interviews Thursday, Nov 20th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm, and again on Friday Nov 21st from 8:30am -11:30 am. If you cannot make those times work, please contact your child’s teacher directly to arrange an alternate time. You will be able to schedule a time with your teachers through the School Appointments website, please watch for the link to be shared from your child(ren)’s teachers.


CALLING ALL THREE YEAR OLDS (CATYO):   Wednesday, November 26th, 12:30pm-2:15p.m, we are hosting our event for registrations for kindergarten 2026.  This afternoon gives children and families/caregivers an opportunity to meet with resource support teams in our community, see our school and meet some of our kindergarten team members.

If you have or know of a three-year-old child who will be eligible for Junior Kindergarten next year, please have them call 226-532-8600 to inquire. Online registration forms are to be completed and can be found at this link: https://www.amdsb.ca/apps/pages/registration. The registration should be done on a desktop or laptop computer not a mobile device. If you have any issues with online registration, please contact our office.


STUDENT DROP OFF REMINDER: To help maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all students, we kindly ask that all parents dropping off their children, please come to the office upon arrival. A staff member will be happy to escort your child to their classroom.

We respectfully request that parents do not walk children directly to their classrooms, as this can cause disruptions to learning and impact the safety of both students and staff. 

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us keep our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

BEFORE AND AFTER PROGRAM SURVEY:  Avon Maitland District School Board values the partnerships it has with the Before and After School Program providers that support our most valuable resource – our students. Greater integration between schools and Before and After School Programs are a key part of the province of Ontario’s vision for a responsive, high-quality system that contributes to the healthy development of children.  


Beginning each school year, the Avon Maitland District School Board uses a series of viability process checks to determine the need for Before and After School Programs for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students and shares this information with program providers. These important viability checks begin with our newest students and their parents/guardians at the Calling All Three-Year-Olds registration events each Fall.

 

AMDSB coordinates Before and After School care, which is provided by third-party child-care partners.  At present, many providers are having staffing issues, which is affecting the number of programs that can be offered.  We ask parents to complete the survey early to help determine where there is sufficient interest to offer the programs.  AMDSB will attempt to find a third-party provider at sites where sufficient interest is determined, and that does not have an existing program.  

Please complete the Before and After School Survey before December 5th, 2025

Survey link Before and After Survey

You can also visit www.amdsb.ca Click “Our Programs” Click “Elementary-Click “Before and After School Program”.  Any questions regarding the Survey, please contact: [email protected]


SCHOOL COMMUNITY INITIATIVES:  Community Closet - Winter Warm-up!

Our Character Counts group has been busy organizing items for our annual Community Closet clothing exchange.  Our school’s Community Closet is open to everyone this winter! Families are welcome to browse starting in November for a variety of warm clothing in many sizes.  Please feel free to visit the school to check out the collection in the front entrance, and/or stop by to check things out before or after your teacher conference on November 20th or 21st.

We are also collecting clean, gently used winter items like coats, boots, and mittens. Upcycling your clothing not only reduces waste but helps keep our community cozy all season long. Donations accepted now! Thanks in advance for your help with this!


Festive Food Drive: Our “Fill the Foyer with Food Festive Food Drive” is set to kick off on Monday, November 17.  Please stay tuned for a letter that will be sent home for families detailing how you can help us to help others during the upcoming holiday season.


WEATHER CHANGES:   With cooler weather upon us, please send along appropriate outdoor gear for your child(ren).  We will be outdoors for two 20-minute recess breaks daily unless it is pouring rain or very frigid temperatures.     Rain boots, warm coats, hats, mitts, and a pair of splash pants are always helpful items to bring to school each day.  Remember, this is the season for wet footwear, be sure to send in a pair of indoor shoes and socks.  We have some extras to choose from if you forget or need to borrow short-term. Labeling items is always a great idea so any Lost & Found items can find their way back home! Please check the Lost & Found bin frequently to reclaim your items.


ATTENDANCE SUPPORT REMINDERS:  Did you know…

When caregivers are actively engaged in their child’s education, attendance rates improve.

 

Problem solve together:

  • Talk openly with your child about why school matters.
  • Use open ended questions or prompts about their day such as, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Tell me about one fact you learned today in class.” 
  • Ask: “What makes it hard to get to school sometimes?” and brainstorm solutions together.


BUS CANCELLATIONS:   When the weather is questionable, please check for delays and cancellations on the bus planner delays app:  https://hpsts.mybusplanner.ca/ 

Download the BusPlanner App – follow the prompts at this website. 

BusPlanner App-How To Download

We will also post to School Messenger, Instagram and Facebook as well.  Postings go out as early as possible once the decision is made by our bus provider.


SCHOOL BUS EXPECTATIONS:    The school bus is an extension of the school. It is a privilege to have access to transportation to and from school each day. Please review the transportation expectations for parents and students. The parents remain responsible for the student until they load the bus, students will be responsible for their appropriate behaviour while on the bus, and the school takes responsibility for follow up regarding the bus. We expect that our buses will remain clean, seats will be respected, and students will be kind and polite to the driver and other riders.


Bus rules:

  • No food or drinks on the bus (therefore no wrappers, food waste or garbage will be found on the bus)
  • Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
  • Sit in your assigned seats.
  • Keep aisles clear.
  • Face forward
  • Hands and feet to yourself

SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS:    Our next School Council meeting will be December 8, 2025 at 6pm in the Library.  Our school council meets monthly to plan family events, organize fundraising activities, and discuss the programming and academic outcomes for our students.  The school council plays a vital role in the well-being and daily functioning of our school.  We are always interested in new suggestions and discussions and welcome everyone to join us.


School Council are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a family movie night on Thursday, November 20th, at 6:30 in the gym.  Popcorn will be available, and we ask that families bring their own drinks, and any cozy or comfy items they may 

 

STAY UP TO DATE: 

Check out our school website where all updates on the school calendar are live.  Website


NOVEMBER EVENTS:

Nov 3- December Milk & Pizza open on School Cash Online

Nov 4- Huron Ridge Orders are due on School Cash Online

Nov 5- Little Caesar’s Delivery Day-school messenger will be sent when sorted and ready for pickup

Nov 5- Photo Retake Day

Nov 7- Spirit Day-PJ/Comfy Cozy Day

Nov 11- Remembrance Day

Nov 13- Level Up Career Fair Gr 7&8’s

Nov 17 - Festive Food Drive gets underway

Nov 17- Report Cards Go Home

Nov 18- Metzgers Meat Fundraiser Closes on School Cash Online

Nov 20- Huron Ridge Delivery Day

Nov 20- Movie Night 6:30 in the gym

Nov 20- Teacher Interviews- 4:00pm-6:50pm (by appointment) Message to come for online booking

Nov 21- PA Day-No School- Teacher Interviews 8:30am-12:00pm

 

UPCOMING:

Dec 2- Junior Tripleball (Weather date- December 4th)